The North 24th Streetscape Master Plan
OVERVIEW
The North 24th Street Business Improvement District aims to transform the historic North 24th Street corridor into a thriving commercial district and a world-class destination. The Streetscape Master Plan is designed to boost economic activity by increasing foot traffic, attracting new businesses, supporting local commerce, raising property values, and fostering job creation.
Decades of disinvestment have weakened the corridor’s infrastructure and visual appeal. This multi-modal project will repair sidewalks and curbs, calm traffic, implement and improve lighting, manage stormwater, expand green infrastructure, and upgrade parking along North 24th Street. It will also add sustainable landscaping, historical theming, and public art installations. These improvements position the district for long-term economic growth, new investment, entrepreneurship, and increased tourism.
Project Goals
Calm traffic using proven strategies:
- Narrower travel lanes
- Curb extensions
- Medians
- On-street parking
- Textured paving
- Added roundabouts
- Traffic signal timing
Create a complete street for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and cars by including these elements:
- Trees that offer shade
- Proper maintenance
- Gathering spaces
- Well-lit streets
- Safer crossings
Connective sidewalk improvements are necessary because:
- Some sidewalks in the district do not allow for two people to walk side-by-side.
- Some areas do not have sidewalks at all, forcing pedestrians to walk in the streets.
Enhance the transit experience and encourage pedestrian presence through:
- Added bus stops
- Enhance bus stop shelters
- 6' bike lanes
- Added bicycle stations
- 8' on-street parking
Age-friendly changes to welcome everyone to our corridor:
- Gateway features
- Primary: Ames, Lake, Cuming
- Secondary: Sprague, Pratt, Bristol, Binney, Burdette, Hamilton
- Community spaces
- Green spaces and tree lines
Streetscape by Zones
Zone 4: Meredith to Spencer
- Fair to poor sidewalk conditions
- High ridership but limited amenities
- Trees are minimal and too close to buildings
- Fast traffic, non-delineated parking
- Lighting is dated
Zone 3: Spencer to Ohio
- Sidewalks are in great condition
- Average ridership, amenities could use updating
- Trees are mostly sparse
- Defined bump-outs and pedestrian crossings help with traffic speed
- Ambient lighting from adjacent businesses
Zone 2: Ohio to Patrick
- Sidewalk condition is good but too narrow
- Lower ridership but good amenities
- Trees provide shade but are unhealthy
- Traffic is slow but can be noisy
- Separate vehicular and pedestrian light poles
Zone 1: Patrick to Cuming
- Sidewalks are in good condition with good width
- Cuming St has very high ridership
- Improper tree selection
- Traffic is very fast, limited parking and unmarked stalls
- Separate vehicular and pedestrian light poles
